Boarding Program

The World is Our Family

Maharishi School is a global community with students and families representing more than 30 countries. Our school community is deeply enriched by students of diverse origin who come together to create global awareness and a vibrant school culture with rich traditions.

We know the decision to send your child to a boarding school far from home is not easy and you are doing this as an investment in their future. We also understand you are making this decision out of love for your child. Because we believe that the world is our family, we take seriously our role as their extended family in the United States.

The Maharishi School boarding program is available to students in grades 8-12. Boarding students entering 9-12th grade are placed in the dormitory while space is available, then in a host family when space in the dormitory is full. Students entering 8th grade are placed with host families.

International Student Information

Insurance

Students are required to purchase health insurance prior to arriving in the United States.
Because of our affiliation with Maharishi University of Management, our international students can purchase insurance through the same company the University uses for an estimated premium of $230/month*. Students wishing to purchase health insurance through the University can get the forms from Ms. Springli Johnson, Admissions Director. Payment will be included in your final tuition invoice.

Students who arrive with a health insurance plan must provide proof of insurance on the first day of Orientation.

*Estimated for 2019-20. Cost is subject to change. This insurance requires a co-payment of $30 for a doctor visit. Additionally, there is a $250 deductible that has to be covered first for the student before the insurance starts paying 80% of the expenses.

Orientation

All international students attend international student orientation to assist with the transition to life at Maharishi. This program takes place on campus one week before the first school day. During this time, international students will have a chance to recuperate from jet-lag, get acquainted with their surroundings, learn the Transcendental Meditation technique, meet teachers and student leaders, purchase school and dorm supplies, visit 1-2 cities in Iowa, and get comfortable with campus life.

Travel

With the support of the International Student Coordinator, Maharishi School helps students coordinate travel to and from campus around vacation periods, including airport pick-up or drop off to Des Moines or Cedar Rapids airport. Students also receive help organizing international student travel documentation.

Vacation

International students may choose to stay on campus for any extended weekend or the 1-week spring break. Students who stay on campus participate in activities and receive supervision.

All students leave campus for our 2-week winter break. During this time, students typically travel home or homestay with a friend.

Academic Support

Maharishi School offers an extensive ELL program for any international student. On the first day of Orientation, each student meets with our ELL instructors who assess their English language skills and determines how often the student needs to attend ELL classes.

Academic tutoring is also provided by the School for several of our core classes. Additional tutoring may be arranged for a student requiring academic support on a fee basis.

Counseling Services

Students can meet one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional on a confidential basis around a variety of issues and concerns, such as homesickness, depression, grief and loss, eating, sexuality/gender identity, and relationships. Counseling services are available every other Wednesday afternoon and are free for students.

Students who needed extended services will be referred to a licensed mental health specialist.

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School Uniform

Maharishi School students wear school uniforms both for daily classes and for physical education classes. Our website has more information: Uniforms & School Information

We will help you order your uniform on the first day of Orientation. The cost will be in addition to tuition paid and can add up to about $300.

Meditation

The cost of learning Transcendental Meditation (TM) is covered in the tuition fee. You will learn the technique during Orientation and will join with all students by starting and ending each school day with the practice of TM.

Participation in the daily practice of meditation and yoga is compulsory: all students received a pass/fail grade for their participation. An 80% grade is required to pass.

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Additional Fees

Boarding students are responsible for fees related to all non-mandatory events, trips, and project-related competitions.

Athletic Fees

Tennis: Team members purchase their own uniforms and racquets.

Basketball: Team members buy their warm-up jerseys and basketball shoes.

Soccer: Team members buy their shin guards and cleats, the School provides uniforms.

Volleyball: Team members buy shoes and shorts, the School provides jerseys.

Senior Trip: The Senior Class takes one trip to culminate their Maharishi School experience. Depending on the destination, costs range from $800-$1,500. Students may elect to participate in group fundraising or pay the full amount to opt out of fundraising efforts.

Project-related fees and trips: If a student chooses a project that has related expenses (e.g., competitions, equipment, trips), they are responsible for all fees. They may elect to participate in group fundraising efforts to help offset the expenses or pay the full amount to opt out of fundraising efforts.